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Classic In Their Own Right

01.01.15

Wow – another year come and gone! It’s hard to believe that eTown is quickly approaching the 25-year mark as an independently produced and distributed broadcast/podcast. Just in the time I’ve been there alone (5 years now) I have seen so many amazing things happen on the stage, and the building (eTown Hall) transform from a shell of an old church to a bustling media center with creativity happening literally on every floor and in every room on a daily basis. It truly is something to be incredibly grateful for, and the `fact is that each and every listener, station, donor and supporter of the program is responsible for keeping this great thing not only alive, but also growing and flourishing every year. For that (and I feel like I can speak for everyone on the eTown staff and production team) we say THANK YOU!

As the confetti settles on another New Years Eve, we are excited to bring you another great archival broadcast/podcast this week. Both of visiting musical guests have become classics in their own right, and have made tremendous impacts on the world of music through their contributions. First up, Band of Horses stop in to share stripped-down, acoustic-based versions of songs spanning their career. It was interesting to get to know more about the band’s history during their interview with Nick. Hearing them play familiar songs with a different slant – acoustic piano, acoustic guitars and stripped down drums – really hammered home just how great many of their songs are. The fact that they can be interpreted so many different ways and still hold water speaks volumes to the caliber of songwriting this group is capable of.

Also with us this week is legendary singer/songwriter Colin Hay. As someone who grew up in the 1980’s, I can’t say enough about the impact Colin Hay’s music had on my life, and many of those who came up during that time period. You probably remember Colin from the incredibly popular group Men At Work. They were absolutely gigantic during that time period, with hit after hit (songs like “Who Can It Be Now”) and some of the most creative music videos on MTV, back when MTV meant “Music Television” and focused on the art form 24/7 before becoming the cesspool of teenage pregnancy shows it has become today. I spent many hours listening to Men At Work’s Business As Usual recordas a kid. I’d stair at the photos of the band inside the sleeve and wonder what their lives were like. Needless to say, it was a surreal moment greeting Colin outside of my video editing room when he arrived at eTown Hall for the taping. One of those full circle moments that make life magical.

In addition to all of the great music and conversation, we have an awesome eChievement Award story for you this week as well.

Happy New Year to you all – and be sure to tune in, podcast and check out the video portion of the show below.